toluene

noun

tol·​u·​ene ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn How to pronounce toluene (audio)
: a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C7H8 that resembles benzene but is less volatile, flammable, and toxic and is used especially as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as an antiknock agent for gasoline

Examples of toluene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s a handy vintage mix of 50% methanol, 40% premium unleaded and 10% toluene. — New Atlas, 8 May 2026 The company’s Flyin’ Hawaiian vape contained toluene, a dangerous solvent that was not listed on the packaging. — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 29 Jan. 2026 These include toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—all used to help improve a fuel’s efficiency and stability as well as an engine’s performance. — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026 Six petrochemicals — ethylene, propylene, butylene, benzene, toluene and xylenes — are the major foundations of plastics and synthetic materials like nylon and polyesters, which manufacturers in turn use to design and deliver products. — Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toluene

Word History

Etymology

French toluène, from tolu balsam from the tropical American tree Myroxylon balsamum, from Spanish tolú, from Santiago de Tolú, Colombia

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toluene was in 1855

Browse Nearby Words

Toluca, Nevado de
toluene
toluene diisocyanate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toluene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toluene. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

toluene

noun
tol·​u·​ene ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn How to pronounce toluene (audio)
: a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C7H8 that resembles benzene but is less volatile, flammable, and toxic and is used as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as an antiknock agent for gasoline

called also methylbenzene

More from Merriam-Webster on toluene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about toluene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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